u/Kitchen-Hornet3639

Based on your guys recommendations yesterday the options I’m considering-

Carvers Gap → Roan Mountain
Black Balsam → Shining Rock (and back)
Daniel Boone Scout Trail → Calloway Peak

I’ve done Mount Mitchell from the campground before, It was tough but a great hike. I originally leaned toward Daniel Boone Scout Trail, but I’m a bit nervous about the ladders/exposure. I’ve been on Grandfather Mountain once on the main trail but stopped after the ladders near the drop-offs.

I’m mainly looking for something challenging with great views. It seems like Black Balsam/Shining Rock or Roan would win for scenery, while Grandfather is the hardest option overall.

Out of these 3 what would you recommend? Am i being a wuss with the ladders?

Planning on doing a 6–10 mile round trip hike this weekend in WNC, I got suggestions for places like Roan Mountain, Grandfather from Boone Fork, Black Balsam, or Shortoff.

I’m pretty new to hiking and don’t own overnight gear or a tent yet. Are hikes like these safe to do as day hikes without backpacking gear? What essentials should I bring for longer hikes like this?

I posted earlier for suggestions but now wondering if I’m prepared for this?

Looking for some solid 6-10 mile round trip hikes within 3 hours of Charlotte. I’ve only done Mount Mitchell from the campground so far and want another good challenge this weekend.

One thing I’d prefer is more open views/balds instead of being stuck under tree canopy most of the hike like Mitchell. Huge fan of panoramic mountain views.

Right now I’m considering places like Black Balsam, Tennent Mountain, Grassy Ridge Bald, Hawksbill, etc. but open to anything. What would you recommend?

When I was 16 my parents sent me on a 30-day Outward Bound trip in the Boundary Waters and it ended up being one of the best experiences of my life.

I’m 26 now, living in North Carolina, and have some time off late July/August. I’ve been seriously considering flying up to Ely and doing a 10-day solo trip, but my GF can’t make it this year.

Part of me wants to just send it, but I also wonder if I should save the money and wait until next year so we can both go and make it a bigger trip together. I’d also be dealing with all the logistics solo since I don’t own gear and would have to rent everything once I got there.

Has anyone here done a solo BWCA trip flying in from out of state? Was it worth the hassle?

I live in North Carolina and was thinking about doing a 3–5 day trip this summer somewhere like Linville Gorge. I love being out in the wilderness, hiking, fishing, and getting away from everything, but everyone I know keeps warning me not to go solo because it’s dangerous.

I don’t want to miss out on something I’ve wanted to do for so long just because I don’t have a group. For people who solo backpack, is it reasonably safe if you prepare well, and would somewhere like Linville Gorge be too much for a first solo multi-day trip?

Would appreciate hearing from people with experience.